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NEW YORK (March 23rd, 2017) – Make the Road New York, Connecticut, New Jersey and Pennsylvania cheered the delay of a House vote on TrumpCare (also known as the Affordable Health Care Act), thanks in part to the stances of local Republican Congressmen who bucked their party and stood with members of their districts and the country who would be among the 24 million to lose health insurance under the proposal. They were Rep. Lance (NJ-7), Rep. Donovan (NY-11), and Rep. Dent (PA-15). The Make the Road Network also joined their allies at the Center for Popular Democracy in a rally of hundreds to protect healthcare in Washington D.C. that culminated in the arrest of 24 people in an act of civil disobedience in front of the Capitol. Becca Telzak, Director of Health Programs at Make the Road New York, stated, "Today's postponement of the vote on TrumpCare is a testament to all of the organizing and resistance happening in communities these past few weeks. TrumpCare would take away health coverage from 2.7 million New Yorkers and have a detrimental impact on the state's Medicaid program. Make the Road New York thanks those representatives like Dan Donovan (NY-11) who stood strong today to protect the health of our communities."
Aracelis Hidalgo, a leader from Make the Road Connecticut, said, “I came to D.C. to tell Congress and President Trump that we will continue fighting for the health care of my children and my ability to stay in this country with no fear of being separated from my family. Today’s delay in repealing the Affordable Care Act shows what we can do when we fight back as a community. ¡Sí se puede!” Sara Cullinane, Director of Make the Road New Jersey who also was arrested in a civil disobedience to highlight the importance of the ACA, said, “Twenty-four people were arrested today to highlight the 24 million people who would stand to lose their healthcare if TrumpCare passes. On behalf of Make the Road members in New Jersey I want to thank Rep. Lance (NJ-7) for his opposition to TrumpCare, and his recognition that thousands of his constituents depend on Medicaid and the ACA to obtain health insurance.” Adanjesus Marin, Director of Make the Road Pennsylvania who also attended the rally and march, affirmed, “Dozens of Allentown residents drive to Washington D.C. today because healthcare is critical to their lives. We are fighting for our lives, and are pleased to see Rep. Dent has heard our voices and the voices of all of those people who would be hurt by this proposal.” 
The background for the action was posted on facebook:
Seven years ago on March 23rd, 2010, President Obama signed the Affordable Care Act into law, making health care accessible to millions of working families who previously weren't covered. Now, Donald Trump, his Administration, and Republicans in Congress are working to get rid of it.
In 2017, our communities are fighting for their lives every day: immigrant families are being separated, workers are being fired for demonstrating dissent, and millions are concerned about losing their health coverage. That's why on Thursday, March 23rd, we fight back! Join us as we gather to protest the nefarious GOP plan to dismantle the ACA, ICE raids against our communities, and more! We will be joined by some extra special guests, including Congressman Keith Ellison and Pittsburgh-based rapper and activist Jasiri X, followed by a march past the White House, Trump Hotel, and more!  |
By the end of the action, the vote was delayed. Lets keep up the pressure!
Ever since Nov 8th, I've worried about the courts and ripples of what might happen.
I lay in bed thinking about what would have happened if Scalia had died when the dems had the majority in the senate the year before. The attack on unions and women... it wouldn't have the same ferocity. But it does. Hopefully we can save ourselves from these bastards.
I still believe in the Democrats despite their many flaws. From President Wilson to Clinton, the dems have had deep flaws. But they are also the party of Jimmy Carter and John Lewis and the War on Poverty, the New Deal and Medicare. But i know we need to be in the streets to win this, as well as in power, inside outside.
We need to look out for each other and support everyone doing everything we can to resist.
After all, as my friend Billy puts it:
Billy Livsey Its not either its and. We need activists and anarchists and centrists and socialists. Its not Bernie or Hillary. Its Bernie and Hillary.
Postscript after the House failed to move on the ACA repeal and replace bill, I wrote:
We always knew it was easier to tear things down than to create things. The democrats created a new deal, a war on poverty, our limited social safety net, Medicare, Medicaid, and the Affordable Care Act. Its still the law of the land. Its much harder to create than destroy. Lets continue to create a workable social safety net for all. New round of healthcare advocacy, lets expand Medicare for all. Keep it simple.
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